Facts About E. coli Contamination

Claremont — The presence of E. coli bacteria indicates contamination by human or animal waste of the public water supply, according to the “boil water” order issued yesterday.

Ingesting contaminated water can have short-term effects such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches or other symptoms. The symptoms can appear a few hours after infection or several days later and can last more than two weeks.

E. coli is a subgroup of the fecal coliform bacteria group. According to a fact sheet from the Department of Environmental Protection, there are many strains, “most of which are harmless but some can cause illness. Most outbreaks have been related to food, not water, contamination.

Water should be boiled for two minutes — which kills all forms of the bacteria — before being used for drinking or baby formula, washing dishes, preparing food or washing vegetables. The DES further recommends washing hands with bottled water. Adults may continue to shower, but should be sure not to swallow. A sponge bath using a clean supply of water are recommended for children.

Claremont — Tomorrow afternoon is the earliest residents should expect city officials to lift a “boil water” order that was issued yesterday, after the bacteria E.coli was found in a sample during routine testing of the city’s water supply. “We are in this until late Friday afternoon,” said Public Works Director Bruce Temple. “We need two clean samples, so to …

For the updated story published in the Thursday, Dec. 6 edition of the Valley News, click here. * Claremont — City officials issued an order Wednesday afternoon instructing residents to boil their drinking water after E. coli were detected in the city’s water system. Residents should bring tap water to a boil, keep it at that level for two minutes, …

Claremont officials lifted the “boil water” order on city residents and businesses Friday morning, after getting test results showing there was no contamination of the public drinking water supply. The order was imposed Wednesday after E. coli bacteria was detected at an undisclosed Washington Street location during routine testing. Officials then conducted follow-up testing and issued a press release this …